Tuition in the home for students with long-term illnesses

When a student has a prolonged absence due to an illness, the student has the right to receive tuition in their home. The school will evaluate the situation based on the student’s condition and the expected length of their absence.

Description

School-age children have the right to education. When a child is absent from school for an extended period due to an illness, the school may be obligated to provide tuition in the student’s home. However, this is a decision to be made between the school and the child’s parents or guardians. The deciding factor is whether the student’s illness will cause a term of absence that leads to the student’s rights not being fulfilled or that prevents the student from benefitting satisfactorily from the education.

Once it has been decided that the student will receive tuition in the home, this is considered an individual decision on special education.

Students who have the right to special education, including students with long-term illnesses who receive tuition at home, are also entitled to the same number of teaching hours as students who receive regular tuition. The number of teaching hours provided will still depend on how much instruction the sick student is able to receive.

Students who are granted special education also have the right to an individual subject curriculum (IOP). The curriculum will show the goals and content of the education and how it will be conducted.

Target group

Students in primary through upper secondary school with extended absences from school due to an illness.

Brochures, documents, maps, etc.

Acts

Guidelines – applying for, or receiving the service

Parents or guardians of a child with a chronic or serious illness can contact the school and request an expert assessment. The assessment will be conducted by the educational and psychological counselling service (PPT) and will form the basis of the decision on special education.

It may be necessary to obtain a medical evaluation as well.

Administrative procedure

The education programme will be designed with great emphasis on input from the student and their parents.

When the municipality or county municipality grants a student special education, they must prepare an individual subject curriculum (IOP) for the student. The curriculum will show the goals and content of the education and how it will be conducted. When the special education lasts for one year or longer, the school must prepare a report containing an overview of the instruction the student has received and an evaluation of the student’s development. This is pursuant to Section 5-5 of the Education Act.

Time taken to consider the application

The municipality will process the case as soon as possible. If a decision cannot be reached on the case within one month, you will receive a written message stating the reason as to why. You will also be informed of when the decision is expected to be made.

Possibilities to appeal; procedure

If you are dissatisfied with the decision, you can appeal to the municipality within three weeks from the date on which you received it. Explain what you are dissatisfied with and why you believe the decision should be changed. If you need guidance, you can enquire with the municipality. If the municipality upholds its decision, the case will be passed on to the county governor, who will determine whether the appeal should be sustained.